Manchester night tsar Sacha Lord calls on sector to “come together” to stem coronavirus spread

Manchester night-time economy tsar Sacha Lord has released a statement today calling for local businesses to “come together” and play their part in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In it, he stresses the importance that businesses ensure they have enough facilities  available for customers and staff to wash their hands “easily and often.”

Thanking those NHS staff working tirelessly around the clock to care for the affected, he’s also urging venues to open their doors to passers-by to use handwashing facilities wherever possible stating “we all have a duty to protect ourselves and others.”

Reiterating that the safety of the public is of the highest priority, Sacha says he is continuing to monitor the Government’s advice regarding coronavirus.

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— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) March 13, 2020

He’s also asking people to continue supporting local businesses, adding: “I have spoken to the Mayor and whilst people should heed official Government advice and take the necessary precautions we also want people to continue to enjoy the night-time economy.

“I understand the concern that many businesses and employees will have at this time and I am working closely with the GMCA on our response.

“Our sector is very resilient and I have no doubt that if the right support measures are put in place by Government we can recover quickly.

“I will be keeping informed of the situation and will provide further updates in due course.”

The message from Sacha comes at an important interval as local people and business owners adjust to government advice released last night.

It serves as an important reminder that individualism will not win out and that to effectively stop the spread of the disease, everyone needs to be doing their part and looking after one another.

It follows a number of statements released by local businesses online last night and today updating their customers on new policies that are being put in place to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff.

These include staff washing their hands between every customer interaction and wiping all door handles, chairs, menus and PDQ machines with antibacterial wipes at regular intervals, as well as a move away from cash and the adoption of card-only policies in some venues.